Guyana: Travel Health Basics

What is travel health?

Travel health is about prevention and common sense: Being aware of health issues that may arise and taking the appropriate measures to prevent illnesses and injuries when you are travelling not only for your own well-being, but for the people and communities you encounter during your trip.

Pre-trip planning: Type of travel, health status, vaccinations, and more

When you’re planning a trip, the last thing on your mind is getting sick away from home.

To ensure a healthy trip, you'll need to determine the type of travel, geographic location, climatic and environmental conditions, itinerary, and duration of your trip, as well as your health status. This will help you determine how far in advance you need to prepare, what immunizations and medications you will need, and what precautions you should take during your trip.

Travel health literacy

Find out about local health risks, current outbreaks, and advisories at your destination and learn how to prevent injuries and the spread of infectious diseases.

Research travel health insurance plans, especially if you are concerned about emergency surgery, extended hospital stays, or medical evacuation. Read the fine print to ensure that all your health needs will be covered.

Find a reputable doctor and / or mental health practitioner at your destination. Don’t leave this until you need emergency help abroad. Knowing how to contact and locate a trusted doctor will save you time and reduce your stress.

Vaccinations and medications

Make sure your routine immunizations are up-to-date – they’re not only for children and young adults.

Depending on your destination, you may need travel-related vaccinations. Visit your doctor or travel health clinic to set up an appointment since many vaccines come in a series. We recommend getting immunized at least 6 weeks before departure to build-up your immunity. Note that some countries require proof of vaccination against some vaccine-preventable diseases such as Yellow Fever.

Prepare a travel health kit with self-medicating items for common travel-related illnesses.

Did you know?

Gastrointestinal infections due to improperly treated water and poor food handling are common illnesses among travellers and can be contracted abroad and at home.

Traffic-related accidents are the primary cause of injury and death among travellers.

Do

Drink boiled or disinfected water (treated with a filter and halogens, or ultraviolet light). Carbonated drinks and bottled water from a trusted source are also safe. Watch for tampered seals or bottled tap water.

Wash your hands regularly and thoroughly with water and soap, especially before handling food. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially before handling food.

Eat well cooked foods while they’re hot and thick skinned fruit that you can peel yourself, such as oranges and bananas.
Use the mantra:
Boil It, Cook It, Peel It or Forget It!

Protect yourself from the sun using sunscreen, wear UV-protecting sunglasses and a hat, and stay in shaded areas as much as possible.

When wearing sunscreen and insect repellent at the same time, apply sunscreen first then apply repellent on top. Products that combine sunscreen and repellent are not as effective. Be aware that repellents containing DEET can reduce the effectiveness of sunscreen so you may have to reapply both products more often.

Use anti-mosquito measures, including repellents containing 20%-30% DEET or 20% Picardin. If you’re going to an area with malaria, don’t forget to use a mosquito bed net.

Wear seat belts in vehicles and a helmet when riding a bicycle, moped, or motorcycle.

Stay fit and well rested.

Practice safe sex at all times.

Don’t

Use ice cubes in drinks unless you are sure that the water has been disinfected.

Consume unpasteurized milk and dairy products.

Eat raw seafood or large fish.

Eat food from street vendors whose stalls seem dirty or that don’t practice proper food handling and good hand hygiene. If you are going to eat street food, make sure it’s well cooked and hot.